Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: Bláa Lónið) (BLAU-ah LONE-eeth) is a geothermal spa in southwest Iceland, that is almost mid-way between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavík, close to the town of Grindavik. Entry starts at 6,990 kr per person (Aug 2019) and rises rapidly from there. This is a very popular tourist destination, attended by over 80% of tourists (around 1.3 million in 2017).
It is a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help many people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37-39 °C (99-102 °F) and is enjoyable year round, even in freezing conditions.
The Blue Lagoon is an artificial hot spring. The nearby geothermal plant operates by exposing water to superheated geothermal vents, converting the water to steam. Once the steam condenses back into water, it is fed into the Blue Lagoon. In this sense, the Blue Lagoon is a hot spring, but no pool existed here prior to construction of the geothermal power plant.
The setting is impressive and the baths are almost unique in the world (their closest counterparts are the Nature Baths in Mývatn, North Iceland). However, they are also slightly overpriced and overcrowded, as is to be expected of a place so popular.
- You receive a bracelet with a chip at the reception which you use to lock your locker and to pay for drinks during the stay. Adhere to the signs:
- You have to leave your shoes shortly after entering.
- You have to shower fully naked before you enter the water.
- If you go to your locker again, you have to be dry immediately after the shower area. Be sure to take a dry towel to the cubbies so that you can dry yourself without going to the locker while being wet.
- Towels are included in the entrance price. And new dry towels are provided to the guests throughout the stay.
- Phone number: +354 420 8800
You have to shower fully naked before you enter the water.
- Swim in the lagoon.
- Put the silica mud all over your body.
- Relax and float in the mineral waters.
- Get up close to the wooden boxes as these are the vents where the hot water arrive, and thus are the warmest parts of the pool.
- Tuck yourself away in one of the caves, slip under the waterfall or enjoy the busy steam baths.
A great tourist snap is to drink a 'Krap' slushy, especially in freezing conditions!
Blue Lagoon has its own skin care products, which are very expensive.
There is also a gift shop (also down town and at the international airport in the duty-free section).
There is a cafeteria and the Lava Restaurant; both are very expensive. Lava books up early, so make reservations ahead of time, especially if visiting around lunch or dinner time, if you wish to visit.
The cafeteria has snacks, sandwiches, and coffee, but they are expensive and poor quality.
Food brought in from outside is forbidden in the Blue Lagoon.
There are water fountains in various locations to keep you from dehydrating.
The cafeteria has a selection of drinks.
Other geothermal spas in iceland, all of which are less expensive and less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, include:
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Laugardalslaug (public pools in Reykjavik) (1000 kr for adults; kr 160 for children)
- Secret Lagoon (admission from 2800 kr)
- Laugarvatn Fontana